Re: Installing applications

[Bruce Smith <bruce@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> I've got Linux up and running and have downloaded a small
> excutable RPM program from a Linux disc into a directory. 
> I am trying to install and run this program but just can't
> seem to make it happen. 

First, RPM files are NOT executable and they are NOT programs.
They are package files that may (or may not) contain program(s).
Think of them as ".zip" files with intelligence.

You can install a RPM file from a Unix prompt like:

  rpm -ivh fileIdownloaded.rpm

You can update to a newer version of the RPM by:

  rpm -Uvh fileIdownloadedVer2.rpm   # (can also install)

If you don't like it, you can remove it:

  rpm -e packagename  #  no "version or .rpm"

You can list the files in the package before installation:

  rpm -qilp fileIdownloaded.rpm

Or after it's installed:

  rpm -qil packagename  #  no "version or .rpm"

You can do a lot more with RPM, check out the man page:

  man rpm

> My installation has Gnome desktop and a side menu of KDE
> stuff.  I have found KDE to be more user friendly but can't
> seem to find the "K" panel that I think should reside as a
> taskbar. Currently I have a default Gnome taskbar. Any
> suggestions for an easy way to install applications would
> be appreciated.

Sorry, you lost me there.

--------------------------------------------
Bruce Smith                bruce@armintl.com
System Administrator / Network Administrator
Armstrong International, Inc.
Three Rivers, Michigan  49093  USA
http://www.armstrong-intl.com/
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